General HHR Discuss anything related to the Chevy HHR that doesnt seem to fit into the more specific categories below.

Power bleeding brakes

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 31, 2026 | 09:22 PM
  #1  
kmdakota1's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: 08-27-2019
Posts: 122
From: PA
Power bleeding brakes

I've been wanting to get around to a good brake fluid change and bleed. Ordered a Motive power bleeder on amazon. In the past, i've just used a compressor with a DIY cap to pressurize the reservoir but the compressor is old and there's a lot of moisture in it now.

I do have a bidirectional scan tool that has an abs brake bleed procedure. I've used it before but never knew if i'm supposed to press the brake pedal when it prompts you too or not. Everything i've read says you do not need to press the brake pedal. However, if I don't press the pedal when in the abs bleed mode of scanner, the abs pump does not turn on.

So, does it hurt to do light presses on the brake pedal while the power bleeder is on and not let the pedal go all the way to the floor?
Old Mar 31, 2026 | 09:49 PM
  #2  
donbrew's Avatar
Moderator
 
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,448
From: Fredericksburg,VA
I always used a Mighty-Vac, never worried about the ABS.
Old Mar 31, 2026 | 09:53 PM
  #3  
kmdakota1's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: 08-27-2019
Posts: 122
From: PA
yup, got one of those too but always fought with getting a good seal on the bleeder. Used grease around thread method but then cleaning the grease off, blah blah blah. I want to try this Power bleed thing
Old Mar 31, 2026 | 10:04 PM
  #4  
kmdakota1's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: 08-27-2019
Posts: 122
From: PA
Also, I wasn't paying attention when I grabbed the DOT 3 fluid and got synthetic. Can I put synthetic in?
Old Mar 31, 2026 | 10:53 PM
  #5  
donbrew's Avatar
Moderator
 
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,448
From: Fredericksburg,VA
yes, as long as it is not DOT 5. GoOgle says this:
  • Compatibility: Synthetic DOT 3, 4, and 5.1 can be mixed. Never mix DOT 5 silicone-based fluid with glycol fluids.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
w314speed
Problems/Service/Repairs
4
Feb 3, 2026 06:49 AM
hhrATX
Brakes | Suspension | Shocks | Struts
21
Jan 22, 2024 05:43 AM
ANITAJALLEN
Problems/Service/Repairs
25
May 15, 2023 08:51 AM
vinmansbrew
General HHR
8
Feb 5, 2023 06:18 PM
Jacqueline Michael
Brakes | Suspension | Shocks | Struts
16
Sep 28, 2019 08:51 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:33 AM.